Apparatus and method for providing network communications

ABSTRACT

A system that incorporates teachings of the present disclosure may include, for example, a Power Over Ethernet (PoE) device (PD) having a controller to receive signals over a first cable having twisted pair wires from at least one of a network element and a gateway where the network element is associated with a service provider where the gateway is associated with a premises and where the service provider provides network communications to the premises, adjust the signals, transmit the adjusted signals over a second cable having twisted pair wires to at least one of the network element and the gateway, and receive power from at least one of the network element and the gateway, where the power is received over at least one of the first and second cables, where the power is received according to PoE protocol, and where the PD is positioned between the network element and the gateway. Other embodiments are disclosed.

FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE

The present disclosure relates generally to communication systems andmore specifically to an apparatus and method for providing networkcommunication.

BACKGROUND

Service providers rely upon various types of infrastructure to delivermedia services, including voice, video and data, to their users. Opticalfibers which transport optical signals and twisted pair lines whichtransport electrical signals are utilized both independently and incombination with each other to connect premises with service providernetworks. The choice of the type of infrastructure to utilize in orderto connect a premises can depend upon a number of factors including thetype of service and the location of the premises.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 depicts an illustrative embodiment of a communication system thatprovides media services;

FIG. 2 depicts an illustrative embodiment of a portal interacting withthe communication system of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 depicts an illustrative embodiment of a communication system thatprovides media services;

FIG. 4 depicts an illustrative embodiment of a method operating inportions of the communication systems of FIGS. 1 and 3; and

FIG. 5 is a diagrammatic representation of a machine in the form of acomputer system within which a set of instructions, when executed, maycause the machine to perform any one or more of the methodologiesdiscussed herein.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

One embodiment of the present disclosure can entail a method including,but not limited to, the steps of receiving first signals from a networkelement that is associated with a service provider where the firstsignals are received over a first cable having twisted pair wires,receiving second signals from a gateway that is associated with apremises where the service provider provides network communications tothe premises and where the second signals are received over a secondcable having twisted pair wires, adjusting the first and second signalsat a Power Over Ethernet (PoE) Powered Device (PD) positioned betweenthe network element and the gateway, re-transmitting the adjusted firstsignals to the gateway over the second cable, re-transmitting theadjusted second signals to the network element over the first cable, andreceiving power from the gateway over the second cable, wherein thepower is transmitted in compliance with PoE protocol. In thisembodiment, the gateway can be the Power Sourcing Equipment (PSE).Multiple cables can be used instead of a single cable to achieve theneeded copper pairs.

Another embodiment of the present disclosure can entail a gateway havinga controller adapted to transmit first signals to a PD positionedbetween the gateway and a network element that is associated with aservice provider where the first signals are transmitted over a cablehaving twisted pair wires where the gateway is associated with apremises and where the service provider provides network communicationsto the premises, transmit power to the PD over the cable, and receiveenhanced second signals from the PD over the cable, where the secondsignals are transmitted from the network element to the PD and enhancedby the PD. In one embodiment, the network equipment can be the PSE.

Yet another embodiment of the present disclosure can entail a PD havinga controller to receive signals over a first cable having twisted pairwires from at least one of a network element and a gateway where thenetwork element is associated with a service provider where the gatewayis associated with a premises and where the service provider providesnetwork communications to the premises, adjust the signals, transmit theadjusted signals over a second cable having twisted pair wires to atleast one of the network element and the gateway (which can be PSEs),and receives power from at least one of the network element and thegateway, where the power is received over at least one of the first andsecond cables, where the power is received according to PoE protocol,and where the PD is positioned between the network element and thegateway.

FIG. 1 depicts an illustrative embodiment of a first communicationsystem 100 for delivering data services including media content. Thecommunication system 100 can represent an Ethernet Service, High SpeedInternet, a Internet Protocol Television (IPTV) broadcast media systemor other data services. The IPTV media system can include a superhead-end office (SHO) 110 with at least one super headend office server(SHS) 111 which receives media content from satellite and/or terrestrialcommunication systems. In the present context, media content canrepresent audio content, moving image content such as videos, stillimage content, or combinations thereof. The SHS server 111 can forwardpackets associated with the media content to video head-end servers(VHS) 114 via a network of video head-end offices (VHO) 112 according toa common multicast communication protocol.

The VHS 114 can distribute multimedia broadcast programs via an accessnetwork 118 to commercial and/or residential buildings 102 housing agateway 104 (such as a common residential or commercial gateway). Theaccess network 118 can represent a group of access nodes which couldinclude digital subscriber line access multiplexers (DSLAMs) or OpticalLine Termination devices (OLTs) located in a central office or a servicearea interface that provides broadband services over hardwire links 119to buildings 102. The hardwire links can be of different types,including optical links and copper twisted pairs such as category 5cables that support 10 Base-T, 100 Base-TX, 1000 Base-T and so forth.System 100 can also utilize an Optical Network Unit (ONU) for deliveringdata via fiber optics and converting the optical signal to electricalsignals for transmission over copper twisted pairs and vice versa. Thegateway 104 can be of various types and can include multi-functionality,including one or more of a DSL modem or cable modem, a network switch,LAN switching, a consumer-grade router, and a wireless access point.

In one embodiment, a repeater 120 can be positioned between the premisesand the access network to enhance the network communication. Therepeater 120 can enhance the signal which allows longer runs of cablefrom access network elements, such as a pedestal cabinet or OpticalNetwork Unit (ONU), to the premises 102. For instance, optical cablescan be run to an ONU under a Fiber-To-The-Curb architecture andresidences that are more than 100 m from the ONU can still be connectedto the ONU using 100 Base-TX through use of the repeater 120 connectedbetween the ONU and the premises 102. In one embodiment, the repeater120 can utilize Power-over-Ethernet (PoE) to receive power from thepremises 102 and/or the network. For example, the PoE source, or PowerSourcing Equipment (PSE), can be located at the residence 102, such asthe gateway 104, which transmits the power over the same cable (havingtwisted pair copper wires) that transports the data. Other sources arealso contemplated, including varying the sources depending upon therecipient of the communications (e.g., determining which gateway of agroup of gateway is receiving the communications and requiring thatgateway to provide the power to the repeater 120 utilizing the PoEtechniques).

In another embodiment, the repeater 120 can be powered by other means orsources that may be independent of the residence 102. In yet anotherembodiment, the repeater 120 can selectively receive power from multiplesources using multiple techniques. For instance, the repeater 120 canutilize PoE techniques to power up based on the availability of powerfrom a residence 102 but can also rely upon an independent power sourcewhen the PoE source is not available. In yet other embodiments, therecan be multiple repeaters powered by a single or by multiple sources. Inyet other embodiments, repeaters (e.g., switches) may support multiplecustomers either singly or in a daisy chain. In yet other embodiments,the PoE repeater may use dissimilar technology, (e.g. Ethernet facingthe power source, and xDSL in the other direction).

The gateway 104 can use common communication technology to distributebroadcast signals to media processors 106 such as Set-Top Boxes (STBs)which in turn present broadcast channels to media devices 108 such ascomputers or television sets managed in some instances by a mediacontroller 107 (such as an infrared or RF remote control). The gateway104, can also distribute data services and signals including Layer 2Ethernet or Layer 3 IP services. The gateway 104, the media processors106, and media devices 108 can utilize tethered interface technologies(such as coaxial or phone line wiring) or can operate over a commonwireless access protocol. With these interfaces, unicast communicationscan be invoked between the media processors 106 and subsystems of theIPTV media system for services such as video-on-demand (VoD), browsingan electronic programming guide (EPG), or other infrastructure services.The exemplary embodiment is described with respect to an IPTV system.However, the present disclosure can be used to provide infrastructure tovarious types of systems including Ethernet-based business and otherresidential services, such as Internet access as well as Layer-2 VPN.

Some of the network elements of the IPTV media system can be coupled toone or more computing devices 130 a portion of which can operate as aweb server for providing portal services over an Internet ServiceProvider (ISP) network 132 to wireline media devices 108 or wirelesscommunication devices 116 by way of a wireless access base station 117operating according to common wireless access protocols such as WiFi, orcellular communication technologies (such as GSM, CDMA, UMTS, WiMAX,Software Defined Radio or SDR, and so on).

It will be appreciated by an artisan of ordinary skill in the art that asatellite broadcast television system can be used in place of the IPTVmedia system. In this embodiment, signals transmitted by a satellite 115supplying media content can be intercepted by a common satellite dishreceiver 131 coupled to the building 102. Modulated signals interceptedby the satellite dish receiver 131 can be submitted to the mediaprocessors 106 for generating broadcast channels which can be presentedat the media devices 108. The media processors 106 can be equipped witha broadband port to the ISP network 132 to enable infrastructureservices such as VoD and EPG described above.

In yet another embodiment, an analog or digital broadcast distributionsystem such as cable TV system 133 can be used in place of the IPTVmedia system described above. In this embodiment the cable TV system 133can provide Internet, telephony, and interactive media services.

It follows from the above illustrations that the present disclosure canapply to any present or future data (e.g., L2 Ethernet, L3 IP/Internet)or interactive media content services.

FIG. 2 depicts an illustrative embodiment of a portal 202 which canoperate from the computing devices 130 described earlier ofcommunication system 100 illustrated in FIG. 1. The portal 202 can beused for managing services of communication system 100. The portal 202can be accessed by a Uniform Resource Locator (URL) with a commonInternet browser such as Microsoft's Internet Explorer™ using anInternet-capable communication device such as those described forFIG. 1. The portal 202 can be configured, for example, to access a mediaprocessor 106 and services managed thereby such as a Digital VideoRecorder (DVR), a VoD catalog, an EPG, a personal catalog (such aspersonal videos, pictures, audio recordings, etc.) stored in the mediaprocessor, provisioning IMS services described earlier, provisioningInternet services, provisioning cellular phone services, and so on.

FIG. 3 depicts an exemplary embodiment of a communication system 300 forproviding network communications to a premises 102 including deliveringmedia content. Communication system 300 can be overlaid or operablycoupled with communication system 100 as another representativeembodiment of said communication system. System 300 can include anaccess network 118 that exchanges communications with a premises 102(such as a residence) via network components, such as an ONU 318. In oneembodiment, the ONU 318 can be connected to the access network 118 viafiber optic cables, depicted as cables 119. In another embodiment, theONU 318 can have, or otherwise be connected to, an access network 118using electrical and/or wireless signal technologies.

The ONU 318 can be connected to one or more premises 102 by way oftwisted pair lines 319 or other hardwire links that can transmit theelectrical signals representative of the data. In the exemplaryembodiment, the lines 319 can be category 5 cables containing four pairsof twisted copper wires, although the present disclosure contemplatesthe use of other hardwire links. A PD 320 can be positioned along theline 319 between the ONU 318 and the gateway 104. The number andconfiguration of the PD(s) 320 can vary. For example, each premises 102can have its own PD 320 along its own line 319. In another example,multiple premises 102 can share one PD 320 such that the PD is connectedto each line 319 corresponding to each residence. In yet anotherexample, a single premises 102 can use multiple, cascaded PDs 320 in away to further extend the reach of Ethernet signals to other premises.

The PD 320 can include a repeater to enhance the signals that are beingexchanged between the service provider network (via ONU 318) and thegateway 104. In one embodiment, the PD 320 can be a hardware componentthat functions as a multi-port active Ethernet hub (e.g., a two-portactive Ethernet hub). The module can be various types of a repeater/hubor a switch The PD 320 can include Ethernet chipsets and PoE circuitcomponents so that the module can receive and retransmit signals (suchas an active hub) from either or both of the ONU 318 and the gateway104, while also receiving power via PoE techniques from a PSE. In oneembodiment, the module can have three or more ports and can be anEthernet switch.

In one embodiment, the PSE for the PD 320 can be customer premisesequipment, such as gateway 104 of residence 102, although othercomponents can also be utilized including endspan PSEs, like an Ethernetswitch of the residence, or midspan PSEs, like a discrete powerinjection device or adapter. For example, the gateway 104 can providepower to the PD 320 utilizing two of the four pairs of twisted copperwires of line 319 where the line utilized is a category 5 cable. In oneembodiment, the PoE techniques or protocol can be performed according tothe IEEE 802.3af and/or IEEE 802.3at Standard (the disclosure of whichis hereby incorporated by reference), although other techniques,protocols and/or standards could also be utilized. For example, thegateway 104 can output 15.40 W of power directed to the PD 320 along thetwisted pair lines, but other amounts are also contemplated.

System 300 can also include other power sources for the PD 320. In oneembodiment, the PSE for module 320 can be the ONU 318. For example,either or both of the ONU 318 and the gateway 104 can supply power overthe lines 319. The power source can be selected based on a number offactors. For instance, the power supply being received from the gateway104 can be monitored for undesired conditions, such as fluctuations andso forth, and based on a detected undesired condition, the PoE powersource can be switched from the gateway 104 to the ONU 318. Theundesired condition can be monitored by the PD 320, the gateway 104and/or other network elements, including the ONU 318. In anotherembodiment, the PD 320 can be receiving power from both the gateway 104and the ONU 318, simultaneously to support normal operation, and canalso operate in a reduced capacity using a single source.

In yet another embodiment, a separate Non-PoE power source 325 can beutilized. For example, the PD 320 can be connected to a power grid,premises utility line or another power source, such as a solar cell,battery, and so forth, to supply power to the module as necessary. Forinstance, the power being supplied via the PoE techniques from either orboth of the gateway 104 and the ONU 318 can be monitored for undesiredconditions and upon detection of such a condition, the PD 320 can thenretrieve its power directly from power source 325, including without theneed to utilize PoE techniques.

System 300 can also utilize various protocols, techniques andcombinations thereof for exchanging signals, including voice, video andaudio content, with the gateway 104, including hardwire links andwireless communication such as WiFi, WiMax, GPRS, 3G, 4G and so forth.System 300 can also utilize various protocols, techniques andcombinations thereof for transmitting the signals to various pointsthroughout the system, including use of an IPTV access network, thepublic Internet, and/or an IMS network.

FIG. 4 depicts an illustrative method 400 operating in portions ofcommunication systems 100 and 300. Method 400 can begin with step 402 inwhich power is supplied to the PD 320 so that Ethernet link can beestablished between the PD 320 and the access network ONU 318 and the PD320 and the premises GW 104. Then the signals being exchanged betweenthe gateway 104 and the service provider network can be enhanced (suchas through receipt and re-transmission of the signals by the repeater).In step 404, the gateway 104 and service provider network can exchangesignals in order to establish a connection therebetween (e.g., usingVLANs, PPPoE or DHCP). Based on the exchange of signals, the gateways105 can establish a connection with the service provider in step 406.

In step 408, power sources associated with the PD 320 can be monitored.For example, the PD 320 can be receiving its power from the gateway 104using PoE techniques. The PD 320, the gateway 104 and/or the serviceprovider (e.g., using a monitoring device in the ONU 318) can monitorthe power that is being supplied to the module. In step 410, adetermination can be made as to whether an undesired condition existswith respect to the supplying of power to the PD 320. The undesiredcondition can be determined based on a number of factors including powerfluctuations, available resources, cost, and so forth.

If an undesired condition does not exist then the PD 320 can continue toreceive its power from the same source (e.g., one or more of the PD 320,the gateway 104 and/or the ONU 318). However, if an undesired conditionis detected then a different power source can be established for the PD320 in step 412. The new power source can provide power to the PD 320using PoE techniques (such as the power source being switched from thegateway 104 to the ONU 318), however, the power source can also directlyprovide power to the PD, such as through a residential power line and soforth. Once the test for an undesired condition is completed and adesired outcome is achieved, the process can once again monitor PoEsources in step 408.

The monitoring of the power being supplied to the PD 320 allows the PDto adjust to conditions occurring in the network (including in thepremises 102) and retrieve power from an appropriate source(s). Themonitoring can be done by any number of devices, while the adjusting ofthe power source for the PD can be performed by any number of otherdevices. For instance, the gateway 104 can monitor its own ability toprovide power to the PD 320 and upon detection of an undesiredcondition, the gateway can communicate control signals to the PD so thatthe power source is changed.

The implementation of the change of power source can be performed at thePD 320 and/or at the new power source. For example, the PD 320 candetect the need to change power sources and can transmit a controlsignal to the ONU 318 so that the ONU begins to supply power to the PD.Similarly, the previous power supply (e.g., the gateway 104) cantransmit a control signal to the new power source (e.g., the ONU 318 oranother gateway associated with a different premises) to change thepower source. In one embodiment, polling can be performed to determineavailable power sources, such as gateways or network elements that arecapable of supplying power to the PD 320. In another embodiment,available power sources can be stored in memory, such as in a databasethat is accessible by the device that determines and/or implements thechange of power source.

In one embodiment, historical information can be utilized for adjustingthe power source for the PD 320. For example, increased power demand fora premises at certain time of the day can be tracked and added to thehistorical information so that the PD can derive some or all of itspower from a source other than the premises 102.

Upon reviewing the aforementioned embodiments, it would be evident to anartisan with ordinary skill in the art that said embodiments can bemodified, reduced, or enhanced without departing from the scope andspirit of the claims described below. For example, the PoE techniquescan be extended to provide power to one or more devices in the premises102 in the event of a power outage. For example, when a power outageoccurs at a residence then the PD 320 can retrieve its power directlyfrom a power source (such as the power grid) or from the serviceprovider (e.g., ONU 318) via PoE techniques. The PD 320 can supply powerto the gateway 104 and one or more user devices (such as a WiFi AccessPoint or VoIP communication device) using the PoE techniques so that theuser can still communicate even in the absence of power at the premises102.

In one embodiment, the power source for the PD 320 can be selected froma group of gateways 104 that are each associated with a differentpremises 102 being served by the ONU 318 and the PD. In this example,the premises associated with the session can be used to provide power tothe PD 320. In the event of an undesired condition, the power source canbe switched to another of the gateways 104 even if not associated withthe particular session. For instance, the service provider can track theamount of power being supplied by a first gateway 104 and utilized forcommunications associated with a second gateway so that the premisesassociated with the second gateway can pay the cost.

In another embodiment, the system 300 can adjust the power source forthe PD 320 to reduce or otherwise compensate for noise associated withthe exchange of data. For example, the PD 320, the gateway 104 and/orthe service provider (e.g., using a monitoring device in the ONU 318)can monitor for an undesired condition or noise associated with dataexchange including packet loss, jitter, and so forth. Based on theamount of noise exceeding a threshold, the power source can be changedin an effort to reduce the noise, such as changing the power source fromthe gateway 104 that is exchanging data with the service provider toanother gateway or the ONU 318.

The enhancement of the signals by the PD 320 (e.g., the repeater device)can include re-transmitting the signals after amplifying, reshaping,regenerating, and/or repeating. The enhancement can also includefiltering, adjusting error correction and so forth. In one embodiment,the PD 320 can adjust the signals, in either or both directions, tocompensate for mismatched transmission rates.

The exemplary embodiments describe enhancement of the electric signalsin both directions (i.e., from the gateway 104 to the service providernetwork as well as from the service provider network to the gateway).However, the present disclosure also contemplates providing theenhancement in only one direction or varying the amount of enhancementbetween the upstream and downstream directions.

The exemplary embodiment can be implemented using outside plant PDs(e.g., environmentally packaged so that they can be buried with a dropor tensioned along an aerial drop). In one embodiment, a PoE repeatercan be used to provide broadband service as a service architecture. Inanother embodiment, the methodology can include summing power frommultiple inputs and performing intelligent changes in operationdepending on power source direction and quality (and signals). In yetanother embodiment, a hybrid PD can be implemented that utilizes PoE toenergize a xDSL modem or a copper-fiber media converter at the ONU.

Other suitable modifications can be applied to the present disclosurewithout departing from the scope of the claims below. Accordingly, thereader is directed to the claims section for a fuller understanding ofthe breadth and scope of the present disclosure.

The exemplary embodiments can be implemented using a number of differenthardware components and software. For instance, analog and digital logicgates could be utilized to implement an active hub powered with PoE thatperforms one or more of the functions described with respect to theexemplary embodiments. However, other components and methodologies canalso be utilized to implement the techniques of the exemplaryembodiments including an embedded processor.

FIG. 5 depicts an exemplary diagrammatic representation of a machine inthe form of a computer system 500 within which a set of instructions,when executed, may cause the machine to perform any one or more of themethodologies discussed above. In some embodiments, the machine operatesas a standalone device. In some embodiments, the machine may beconnected (e.g., using a network) to other machines. In a networkeddeployment, the machine may operate in the capacity of a server or aclient user machine in server-client user network environment, or as apeer machine in a peer-to-peer (or distributed) network environment.

The machine may comprise a server computer, a client user computer, apersonal computer (PC), a tablet PC, a laptop computer, a desktopcomputer, a control system, a System-on-a-Chip (SoC), a network router,switch or bridge, or any machine capable of executing a set ofinstructions (sequential or otherwise) that specify actions to be takenby that machine. It will be understood that a device of the presentdisclosure includes broadly any electronic device that provides voice,video or data communication. Further, while a single machine isillustrated, the term “machine” shall also be taken to include anycollection of machines that individually or jointly execute a set (ormultiple sets) of instructions to perform any one or more of themethodologies discussed herein.

The computer system 500 may include a processor 502 [e.g., a centralprocessing unit (CPU), a graphics processing unit (GPU), or both], amain memory 504, a static memory 506, and a common communications bus508. The computer system 500 may further include a display unit 510(e.g., a lamp indicator, liquid crystal display (LCD), a flat panel, asolid state display, or a cathode ray tube (CRT)). The computer system500 may include an input device 512 (e.g., a button or keyboard), acursor control device 514 (e.g., a mouse or touchscreen), a disk driveunit 516, a signal generation device 518 (e.g., a speaker or remotecontrol) and a network interface device 520.

The disk drive unit 516 may include a machine-readable medium 522 onwhich is stored one or more sets of instructions (e.g., software 524)embodying any one or more of the methodologies or functions describedherein, including those methods illustrated above. The instructions 524may also reside, completely or at least partially, within the mainmemory 504, the static memory 506, and/or within the processor 502during execution thereof by the computer system 500. The main memory 504and the processor 502 also may constitute machine-readable media.

Dedicated hardware implementations including, but not limited to,application specific integrated circuits, programmable logic arrays andother hardware devices can likewise be constructed to implement themethods described herein. Applications that may include the apparatusand systems of various embodiments broadly include a variety ofelectronic and computer systems. Some embodiments implement functions intwo or more specific interconnected hardware modules or devices withrelated control and data signals communicated between and through themodules, or as portions of an application-specific integrated circuit.Thus, the example system is applicable to software, firmware, andhardware implementations.

In accordance with various embodiments of the present disclosure, themethods described herein are intended for operation as software programsrunning on a computer processor. Furthermore, software implementationscan include, but not limited to, distributed processing orcomponent/object distributed processing, parallel processing, or virtualmachine processing can also be constructed to implement the methodsdescribed herein.

The present disclosure contemplates a machine readable medium containinginstructions 524, or that which receives and executes instructions 524from a propagated signal so that a device connected to a networkenvironment 526 can send or receive voice, video or data, and tocommunicate over the network 526 using the instructions 524. Theinstructions 524 may further be transmitted or received over a network526 via the network interface device 520.

While the machine-readable medium 522 is shown in an example embodimentto be a single medium, the term “machine-readable medium” should betaken to include a single medium or multiple media (e.g., a centralizedor distributed database, and/or associated caches and servers) thatstore the one or more sets of instructions. The term “machine-readablemedium” shall also be taken to include any medium that is capable ofstoring, encoding or carrying a set of instructions for execution by themachine and that cause the machine to perform any one or more of themethodologies of the present disclosure.

The term “machine-readable medium” shall accordingly be taken toinclude, but not be limited to: solid-state memories such as a memorycard or other package that houses one or more read-only (non-volatile)memories, random access memories, or other re-writable (volatile)memories; magneto-optical or optical medium such as a disk or tape;and/or a digital file attachment to e-mail or other self-containedinformation archive or set of archives is considered a distributionmedium equivalent to a tangible storage medium. Accordingly, thedisclosure is considered to include any one or more of amachine-readable medium or a distribution medium, as listed herein andincluding art-recognized equivalents and successor media, in which thesoftware implementations herein are stored.

Although the present specification describes components and functionsimplemented in the embodiments with reference to particular standardsand protocols, the disclosure is not limited to such standards andprotocols. Each of the standards for Internet and other packet switchednetwork transmission (e.g., TCP/IP, UDP/IP, HTML, HTTP) representexamples of the state of the art. Such standards are periodicallysuperseded by faster or more efficient equivalents having essentiallythe same functions. Accordingly, replacement standards and protocolshaving the same functions are considered equivalents.

The illustrations of embodiments described herein are intended toprovide a general understanding of the structure of various embodiments,and they are not intended to serve as a complete description of all theelements and features of apparatus and systems that might make use ofthe structures described herein. Many other embodiments will be apparentto those of skill in the art upon reviewing the above description. Otherembodiments may be utilized and derived therefrom, such that structuraland logical substitutions and changes may be made without departing fromthe scope of this disclosure. Figures are also merely representationaland may not be drawn to scale. Certain proportions thereof may beexaggerated, while others may be minimized. Accordingly, thespecification and drawings are to be regarded in an illustrative ratherthan a restrictive sense.

Such embodiments of the inventive subject matter may be referred toherein, individually and/or collectively, by the term “invention” merelyfor convenience and without intending to voluntarily limit the scope ofthis application to any single invention or inventive concept if morethan one is in fact disclosed. Thus, although specific embodiments havebeen illustrated and described herein, it should be appreciated that anyarrangement calculated to achieve the same purpose may be substitutedfor the specific embodiments shown. This disclosure is intended to coverany and all adaptations or variations of various embodiments.Combinations of the above embodiments, and other embodiments notspecifically described herein, will be apparent to those of skill in theart upon reviewing the above description.

The Abstract of the Disclosure is provided to comply with 37 C.F.R.§1.72(b), requiring an abstract that will allow the reader to quicklyascertain the nature of the technical disclosure. It is submitted withthe understanding that it will not be used to interpret or limit thescope or meaning of the claims. In addition, in the foregoing DetailedDescription, it can be seen that various features are grouped togetherin a single embodiment for the purpose of streamlining the disclosure.This method of disclosure is not to be interpreted as reflecting anintention that the claimed embodiments require more features than areexpressly recited in each claim. Rather, as the following claimsreflect, inventive subject matter lies in less than all features of asingle disclosed embodiment. Thus the following claims are herebyincorporated into the Detailed Description, with each claim standing onits own as a separately claimed subject matter.

1. A method comprising: receiving first signals from a network elementthat is associated with service provider equipment, the first signalsbeing received over a first cable having twisted pair wires; receivingsecond signals from a gateway that is associated with a premises, theservice provider equipment providing network communications to thepremises, the second signals being received over a second cable havingtwisted pair wires; adjusting the first and second signals at a powerover ethernet device positioned between the network element and thegateway; re-transmitting the adjusted first signals to the gateway overthe second cable; re-transmitting the adjusted second signals to thenetwork element over the first cable; receiving power from at least oneof the network element over the first cable and the gateway over thesecond cable, wherein the power is transmitted in compliance with apower over ethernet protocol, and wherein the received power ismonitored for power parameters and adjusted based on the powerparameters; and determining an undesired condition associated with areceipt of power by the power over ethernet device based on historicalinformation associated with at least one of the gateway or the networkelement, wherein a power source for the power over ethernet device isswitched based on the historical information.
 2. The method of claim 1,comprising adjusting the first and second signals using one or more ofamplification, re-shaping, regenerating and repeating.
 3. The method ofclaim 1, comprising energizing at least one of a digital subscriber linemodem and a copper-fiber media converter at an optical network unitusing the power over ethernet device.
 4. The method of claim 1, whereinthe power source is switched to a non-power over ethernet source basedon the monitored power parameters.
 5. The method of claim 1, wherein thefirst and second signals are ethernet signals and the adjusting of thefirst and second signals is by repeating.
 6. A gateway comprising: amemory storing computer instructions; and a controller coupled to thememory, wherein executing the computer instructions cause the controllerto perform operations comprising: transmitting first signals to a powerover ethernet device positioned between the gateway and a networkelement that is associated with a service provider, the first signalsbeing transmitted over a cable having twisted pair wires, the gatewaybeing associated with a premises, the service provider providing networkcommunications to the premises; transmitting power to the power overethernet device over the cable; and receiving enhanced second signalsfrom power over ethernet device the cable, the second signals beingtransmitted from the network element to the power over ethernet deviceand enhanced by the power over ethernet device; wherein an undesiredcondition associated with a receipt of power by the power over ethernetdevice is determined based on historical information associated with atleast one of the gateway of the network element, wherein a power sourcefor the power over ethernet device is switched based on the historicalinformation.
 7. The gateway of claim 6, wherein power received at thepower over ethernet device is monitored for power parameters andadjusted based on the power parameters.
 8. The gateway of claim 6,wherein the second signals are enhanced by at least one ofamplification, re-shaping, regenerating or repeating.
 9. The gateway ofclaim 6, wherein computer instructions when executed by the controllercause the controller to perform operations comprising transmitting apower control signal to the power over ethernet device, wherein thepower control signal causes the power over ethernet device to retrievepower from the power source other than the gateway.
 10. The gateway ofclaim 9, wherein the power source is at least one of the network elementor a non-power over ethernet source.
 11. The gateway of claim 6, whereincomputer instructions when executed by the controller cause thecontroller to perform operations comprising monitoring for the undesiredcondition associated with supplying power to the power over ethernetdevice.
 12. The gateway of claim 6, wherein the power over ethernetdevice is supplied power by the gateway or the network element accordingto a power over ethernet protocol.
 13. A power over ethernet devicecomprising: a memory storing computer instructions; a controller coupledto the memory, wherein executing the computer instructions cause thecontroller to perform operations comprising: receiving signals over afirst cable having twisted pair wires from at least one of a networkelement and a gateway, the network element being associated with aservice provider, the gateway being associated with a premises, theservice provider providing network communications to the premises;adjusting the signals; transmitting the adjusted signals over a secondcable having twisted pair wires to at least one of the network elementand the gateway; and receiving power from at least one of the networkelement and the gateway, wherein the power is received over at least oneof the first and second cables, wherein the power is received accordingto a power over ethernet protocol, wherein the power over ethernetdevice is positioned between the network element and the gateway,wherein the received power is monitored for power parameters andadjusted based on the power parameters, wherein an undesired conditionassociated with a receipt of power by the power over ethernet device isdetermined based o historical information associated with at least oneof the gateway or the network element, and wherein a power source forthe power over ethernet device is switched based on the historicalinformation.
 14. The power over ethernet device of claim 13, whereincomputer instructions when executed by the controller cause thecontroller to perform operations comprising adjusting the signals by atleast one of amplification, re-shaping, regenerating or repeating. 15.The power over ethernet device of claim 13, wherein the power overethernet device monitors for the power parameters and transmits signalsto cause the power adjustment.
 16. The power over ethernet device ofclaim 13, wherein computer instructions when executed by the controllercause the controller to perform operations comprising receiving powerfrom the power source, wherein the power source is a non-power overethernet source.
 17. The power over ethernet device of claim 13, whereincomputer instructions when executed by the controller cause thecontroller to perform operations comprising receiving a power controlsignal from the gateway, wherein the power control signal causes thepower over ethernet device to switch to a different power source. 18.The power over ethernet device of claim 13, wherein computerinstructions when executed by the controller cause the controller toperform operations comprising receiving a power control signal from thenetwork element, wherein the power control signal causes the power overethernet device to switch to a different power source.
 19. The powerover ethernet device of claim 13, wherein computer instructions whenexecuted by the controller cause the controller to perform operationscomprising transmitting enhanced second signals to a group of gatewaysthat includes the gateway.